Are military salutes the same in all western countries as they are in the U.S.?

Question

I'm watching Band of Brothers and was curious. Thanks.

Answer 1

The position of the hand has Jack S*@t to do with, or not with, losing in a war, its just a variation, the tradition of the salute derives from two sources:

a, opposing knights raising their hand to show they are not carrying a sword or weapon.

b, two opposing knights raising the visor on the helmet to show they intend not to engage in combat.

The earliest recorded method of saluting was in the Roman Legions of the Roman Empire.

When a salute is given, its given in respect of the rank present, and not the personality under it.

Answer 2

They're variants, but definitely not the same.The angle of the palm varies from straight outward (ie whole palm visible to "salutee") to horizontal (palm facing ground). The angle of the arm also varies, with some forces insisting the elbow be at eye height and the forearm horizontal, whilst others salute with the forearm angled slightly (fingers at eye level, elbow lower). Considering the "forwards/backwards" dimension, some forces insist the elbow be in line with the eye; others don't mind if the elbow is slightly rearwards (which is more natural).

One of the main differences is also WHEN you salute; for example, in some services you ONLY salute when wearing a hat, and you only wear a hat outdoors (except in unusually formal circumstances such as a court hearing and other form occasions). Other services - like most naval services, given that they're nearly always "indoors" on a ship - salute all the time, whether indoors or outdoors, wearing or not wearing a hat.

Answer 3

No, there are variations. For example, the British salute has the palm facing forward where the American salute has the palm tilted downward. The Polish salute uses two fingers with the rest cupped, rather than all fingers straight as the Americans do it.

Answer 4

Salutes vary. As stated before the US uses the whole right hand canted along the brim or eyebrow depending on headgear.

The English salute with the palms outward. I think of Benny Hill everytime I see them salute.

Answer 5

Good question and I'm not sure. All salutes, though, have the same origin. At the same time that you are recognizing the rank of the other person, you are bearing your dominant hand to show that you are not armed and mean him no hostility. With some of the officers I remember in the army, it took some real effort to do that.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Yes, the Poles use 2 fingers (pointing and middle).
The Russian and Chinese salute is the same as American, except one rule: you may salute only if you wear a cap or a hat.

Answer 8

Some military traditionalists say that you can't salute palm-down like we do unless your country has never been defeated in a war. That's why countries who have surrendered often salute palm out.
We have never lost a war (no, in Vietnam we withdrew after winning every campaign we engaged in, the S. Vietnamese surrendered some time after we were gone) and we will NEVER surrender in a war, so we salute palm-down.

Answer 9

Canadians salute only while in uniform and are wearing head dress. ( indoors and outdoors ) If we are in civilian attire or uniform without head dress we check our arms to the side and acknowledge their presence with Sir or Mam. The Officer must return the compliment. In the field (trg) or on operation we only acknowledge an officer's presence with "Sir" no salute. (sniper check) Hope this helps.

Answer 10

The british salute with the palms facing outward.
and I'm sure you know how Hitler and his goons saluted!